Aminoalcohols incorporating a piperazine ring: Synthesis, complexation of a hexadentate ligand and DNA cleavage capability of copper(II) complexes

The facility of aminoalcohol ligand synthesis via ring opening of cyclohexene oxide with polyamines including a piperazine ring is illustrated here with the syntheses and characterization of (2′-hydroxycyclohexyl)piperazine (1), bis(2′-hydroxycyclohexyl)-piperazine (2), 4-{(2″-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2′-aminoethyl)}piperazine (3), 1-(2″-hydroxycyclohexyl)-4-{(2″-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2′-aminoethyl)}piperazine (4), and 1,4-bis[(2″-hydroxycyclohexyl)-3′-aminopropyl]piperazine (5) described, along with an analogue of 4 in which a single -CH₂-CH₂- alkyl chain replaces the piperazine ring, 1,5-bis[(2′-hydroxycyclohexyl)amine]-3-azapentane (6). The viability of 5 as a hexadentate ligand was established by preparation of its copper(II) complex and subsequent X-ray crystal structure analysis. The complex [Cu(5)](ClO₄)₂ cation lies in a distorted octahedral environment with the four nitrogen donors in an approximate plane also incorporating the copper (Cu-N_tert 2.058(4) A; Cu-N_sec 2.072(4) A) and the two alcohol groups occupying axial sites with elongated bonds (Cu-O 2.415(3) A). The piperazine ring adopts a ‘butterfly wing’ geometry, whereas the two cyclohexane rings are in chair conformations. Significant bond angle distortions occur around the copper, exacerbated by the axial Jahn-Teller bond length distortion. The ability of the copper(II) complexes of the aminoalcohols to promote DNA cleavage was examined. Complexes of 2, 3 and 5 are effectively inactive whereas 4 is an efficient single strand cleavage promoter; however, the more flexible close analogue of 4, 6, also proved ineffective. Such observations for a closely related series indicate the subtle influences of spectator ligand rigidity and steric congestion on DNA cleavage promotion.     

Hydrogen-bond assisted stabilization of the less favored conformation of a tridentate Schiff base ligand in dinuclear nickel(II) complex: An experimental and theoretical study

The Schiff base ligand, HL (2-[1-(3-methylamino-propylimino)-ethyl]-phenol), the 1:1 condensation product of 2-hydroxy acetophenone and N-methyl-1,3-diaminopropane, has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography as the perchlorate salt [H₂L]ClO₄ (1). The structure consists of discrete [H₂L]⁺ cations and perchlorate anions. Two dinuclear Ni^II complexes, [Ni₂L₂(NO₂)₂] (2), [Ni₂L₂(NO₃)₂] (3) have been synthesized using this ligand and characterized by single crystal X-ray analyses. Complexes 2 and 3 are centrosymmetric dimers in which the Ni^II ions are in distorted fac- and mer-octahedral environments, respectively, bridged by two μ₂-phenolate ions of deprotonated ligand, L. The plane of the phenyl rings and the Ni₂O₂ basal plane are nearly coplanar in 2 but almost perpendicular in 3. We have studied and explained this different behavior using high level DFT calculations (RI-BP86/def2-TZVP level of theory). The conformation observed in 3, which is energetically less favorable, is stabilized via intermolecular non-covalent interactions. Under the excitation of ultraviolet light, characteristic fluorescence of compound 1 was observed; by comparison fluorescence intensity decreases in case of compound 3 and completely quenched in compound 2.     

Mercury complexes with the ligand benzaldehyde-N(4),N(4)-dimethylthiosemicarbazone

The Schiff base benzaldehyde-N(4),N(4)-dimethylthiosemicarbazone (LH) and its complexes [Hg(NO₃)(LH)₂]NO₃ (1), [Hg(L)₂] (2), [Hg(LH)₂(μ-X)₂HgX₂] [X = Cl (3), Br (4)], [HgI(LH)(μ-I)₂HgI(LH)] (5) and [HgI₂(LH)] (6) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, mass spectrometry, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All the complexes were obtained in ethanol and complex 2, in which the ligand is deprotonated, in addition needs the presence of basic medium. From mercury(II) iodide two complexes with the same molar ratio but with different structures were isolated. In all the complexes the ligand acts as a NS chelate, except in complex 5 in which is only S-donor. The coordination number of the mercury ion and the structures of the complexes depend on the counterion. Complexes 1, 2 and 6 are monomeric species but with different coordination spheres: N₂S₂O₂ with a distorted octahedral arrangement in complex 1, and N₂S₂ or NSI₂ in a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry in complexes 2 and 6, respectively. However, 3, 4 and 5 are binuclear complexes with two halido bridges, but they show two different structures. In 3 and 4, each mercury ion has a different environment giving an asymmetric structure, one is bonded to two NS-ligands and two halido bridges in a distorted octahedral geometry, and the other one has a tetrahedral environment formed by four halido ligands. In complex 5 both mercury ions are equivalent with a SI₃ distorted tetrahedral coordination sphere, formed by one S-bonded ligand, one terminal iodido and two iodido bridges.     

Tetrameric 1:1 and monomeric 1:3 complexes of silver(I) halides with tri(p-tolyl)-phosphine: A structural and biological study

Silver(I) halides react with tri(p-tolyl)phosphine (tptp, C₂₁H₂₁P) in MeOH/MeCN solutions in 1:1 or 1:3 molar ratios to give complexes of formulae {[AgCl(tptp)]₄} (1) or [AgX(tptp)₃] (X = Cl (2), Br (3), I (4)), respectively. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, and FT-IR far-IR, FT-Raman, TG and ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR spectroscopic techniques. Crystal structures of complexes 2-4 were determined by X-ray diffraction at room temperature (rt). The crystal structure of 1 and 4 was also determined at 100(1) and 140(2) K (lt), respectively. In complex 1 four μ3-Cl ions are bonded with four Ag(I) ions forming a cubane while the coordination sphere of silver(I) ions is completed by one P atom from a terminal tri(p-tolyl)phosphine ligand. In complexes 2-3 one terminal halogen and three P atoms from phosphine ligands form a tetrahedral arrangement around the metal ion. Complexes 1-4 were tested for in vitro cytostatic activity against sarcoma cancer cells (mesenchymal tissue) from the Wistar rat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH, benzo[a]pyrene) carcinogenesis and against murine leukemia (L1210) and human T-lymphocyte (Molt4/C8 and CEM) cells. The silver(I) complexes 1-4 show strong activity.     

Construction of a series of mercury(II) complexes based on a bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligand: Effect of counter anions, interactions on the supermolecular structures

Four new complexes, [Hg(L)Cl₂]₂ (1), [Hg(L)Br₂]₂ (2), [Hg(L)I₂(DMF)₂]_n (3), and [HgLCl(SCN)]_n (4) (L = N,N-bis-(3-pyridyl)isophthalamide) were obtained through the self-assembly of a rigid conjugated clamp-like bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligand L with HgX₂ (X = Cl for 1, Br for 2, I for 3, and Cl for 4 with the addition of KSCN) and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectrum, etc. Employments of different anions result in different structures. Complexes 1 and 2 feature bimetallic macrocycle formed by coordinating two Hg(II) metal centers by two ligands which are in syn-syn conformation. The macrocyclic subunits further self-assemble into a porous macrocycle structure via the hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions. Introduction of I⁻ and SCN⁻ ions bring about stronger steric hindrance effect. Complexes 3 and 4 are polymers with infinite 1D polymeric chain in herringbone fashion and the hydrogen-bonding interactions and π-π stacking interactions between the parallel benzene rings and the pyridyl rings stabilize the supromolecular framework. Furthermore, we measured their fluorescent properties in the solid state at room temperature and XRD properties also have been determined.     

Different crystal forms of Zn(II) compound with diethyl (pyridin-3-ylmethyl)phosphonate (3-pmpe) ligand: Zn(3-pmpe)Cl2

The synthesis and characterization of the new didentate ligand diethyl (pyridin-3-ylmethyl) phosphonate (3-pmpe) and three of its Zn(II) complexes are described. IR and X-ray analyses show that in the reaction of ZnCl₂ with 3-pmpe in methanol three crystalline polymorphs are formed: [Zn(3-pmpe)Cl₂]₂ (1) and [Zn(3-pmpe)Cl₂]_n (2 and 3). In these crystals 3-pmpe acts as a didentate N,O-bridging ligand and Zn(II) are in a slightly distorted tetrahedral ZnNOCl₂ environment. Zn²⁺ ions in 1 are doubly bridged by the 3-pmpe ligands, resulting in the formation of dinuclear species. In polymeric compounds 2 and 3 Zn²⁺ ions are singly bridged by the 3-pmpe, resulting in the formation of one-dimensional chains. Small differences in the conformation of the ligand in 1 and 2 have been found. The infrared spectra are in agreement with the structural data.     

Synthesis of titanium-TADDOLate complexes containing bidentate nitrogen donors and the asymmetric ethylation of benzaldehyde

Reaction of TiCl₂(TADDOLate)L₂ (L=THF (1) or AcOEt (2)) with a bidentate nitrogen-containing ligand such as 2,2^′-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) affords six-coordinate complexes TiCl₂(TADDOLate)(L₂) (L₂=bipy (3) or phen (4)). Complexes 3 and 4 can also be obtained from reaction of 1.3 eq. of TiCl₄ with a TADDOL (α,α,α^′,α^′-tetraphenyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol) ligand in diethyl ether followed by the addition of the bidentate ligand. The complex 3 reacts further with 2.2 eq. of MeLi in toluene to give the mono-methyl complex TiCl(Me)(TADDOLate)(bipy) (5). Complexes 3 and 4 were subjected to X-ray structural analyses and both structures reveal the same C₂ molecular symmetry with the bidentate bipy or phen ligand trans to the TADDOLate ligand. In the asymmetric reaction of diethylzinc addition to benzaldehyde, the monomeric metal complex 3 or 4 alone shows good catalytic reactivities with low to moderate enantioselectivities of 31% or 52% ee, respectively. However, with the addition of excess Ti(O-i-Pr)₄, the reaction gives nearly quantitative yields of the desired product with good enantioselectivities up to 88% ee.     

N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane dimeric 4f and 3d-4f heterodinuclear complexes: Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three novel N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane dimeric lanthanide complexes, namely, [{H₂L}Sm(NO₃)₃]₂·H₂O (1), [{H₂L}Gd(NO₃)₃]₄·CH₃OH (2), [{H₂L}Lu(NO₃)₃]₄·H₂O (3) (H₂L = N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane) and three new N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane 3d-Gd heterodinuclear complexes, namely, [{LCo}(CH₃COO)(CH₃COOH)Gd(NO₃)₂] (4), [{LNi(MeOH)₂}Gd(NO₃)₃]·2MeOH (5) and [{(L)Zn(HNO₃)}Gd(NO₃)₃]·NO₃·H₃O·MeOH (6) have been synthesized and isolated. X-ray crystallographical analysis reveals that complexes 1-3 are isomorphic with unique dimeric topology. Complexes 4-6 are of discrete 3d-4f dinuclear cores. Magnetic properties of complexes 2 and 4-6 are systematically investigated. Complexes 4 and 5 are ferromagnetic, while 2 and 6 are antiferromagnetic.     

C-H activation of benzene by platinum(II) complexes with cyclometalated phosphine ligands

The bulky phosphine ligands di-tert-butyl(1-naphthyl)phosphine (1) or di-tert-butyl(N-indolyl)phosphine (2) react at room temperature with [(μ-SMe₂)PtMe₂]₂. Coordination of the phosphine and C-H bond activation at an sp² carbon of the ligand with the release of methane takes place to form the PC cyclometalated products [(PC)PtMe(SMe₂)] (3 or 4, respectively). The cyclometalated complexes 3 and 4 have both been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 3 and 4 were each observed to undergo intermolecular activation of arene C-H bonds. Upon thermolysis in benzene, complexes 3 and 4 react to eliminate methane and yield isolable platinum(II)-phenyl complexes.     

Study of the coordination behaviour of (3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol against Pd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II)

A new easily synthetic route with a 96% yield of ligand 2-(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol (L) is obtained. The reactivity of L against Pd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) leads to [PdCl₂(L)₂] (1), [ZnCl₂(L)] (2) and [CuCl(L′)]₂ (3) (L′ is the ligand L without alcoholic proton), respectively. According to the different geometries imposed by the metallic centre and the capability of L to present various coordination links, it has been obtained complexes with square planar (1 and 3) or tetrahedral (2) geometry and different nuclearity: monomeric (1 and 2) or dimeric (3). Complete characterisation by analytical and spectroscopic methods, resolution of L and 1-3 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic studies for complex 3 are presented.     

Synthesis of {15-benzyloxy-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene}nickel(II) perchlorate and its analogs, and their catalytic behavior in reductive debromination of 1-bromo-4-tert-butylbenzene

New nickel(II) complexes with macrocyclic ligands bearing benzyloxy [(5), (9)], 2-methylbenzyloxy (7), 3-methylbenzyloxy (8), and hydroxy (6) groups on the pyridine ring have been synthesized. Structures of the hydroxy substituted macrocyclic ligand (L-OH·3HCl·H₂O), and the benzyloxy substituted ligand (L-OBn·3HCl) and its nickel(II) complex (5), as well as an analogous Ni(II) complex (8), have been revealed by X-ray crystallography. Their catalytic capabilities in the reductive debromination of 1-bromo-4-tert-butylbenzene have been elucidated, which has revealed that the pyridine ring can be a suitable position for the introduction of functional groups while maintaining the catalytic capabilities of the nickel(II) complexes.     

Synthesis and characterisation of new molybdenum - oxo complexes containing diphenylphosphinylacetic acid and 2-(tert-butylsulphoxide)phenyldiphenylphosphine oxide as bidentate ligands

Reaction of the ligands diphenylphosphinylacetic acid Ph₂P(O)CH₂COOH (1) and 2-(tert-butylthio)phenyldiphenylphosphine oxide Ph₂P(O)C₆H₄^tBuS (2) with “MoO₂Cl₂”, resulted in two complexes MoO₂Cl₂Ph₂P(O)CH₂COOH (3) and MoO₂Cl₂Ph₂P(O)C₆H₄^tBuS(O) (4). Complexes 3 and 4 were isolated and analysed by ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and X-ray crystallography. Complex 3 crystallised with a molecule of the free ligand in a 1:1 ratio (3·1) and complex 4 crystallised with molecules of the solvent CH₂Cl₂ within the unit cell in a 2:1 ratio (4·0.5CH₂Cl₂). Tetrameric arrangements comprised of hydrogen bonds were observed in complexes 1 and 3. Complex 4 exhibited a seven-membered ring structure owing to the oxidation of the sulphide in 2 to sulphoxide and coordination of this ligand via the oxygen atoms to the molybdenum atom.     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and photophysical properties of copper(I) complexes containing 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (B-dppf) in doubly-bridged mode

Five copper(I) complexes having general formula [Cu₂(μ-X)₂(κ²-P,P-B-dppf)₂] (X = Cl(1), Br(2), I(3), CN(4), and SCN(5)) were prepared starting with CuX and B-dppf in 1:1 molar ratio in DCM-MeOH (50:50 V/V) at room temperature. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and electronic spectral studies. Molecular structures for 1, 2 and 4 were determined crystallographically. Complexes 1, 2 and 4 exist as centrosymmetric dimers in which the two copper atoms are bonded to two bridging B-dppf ligands and two bridging (pseudo-)halide groups in a μ-η¹ bonding mode to generate nearly planar Cu₂(μ-η¹-X)₂ framework. Both bridging B-dppf ligands are arranged in antiperiplanar staggered conformation in 1 and 2 (mean value 56.40-56.76°), and twisted from the eclipsed conformation (mean value 78.19°) in 4. The Φ angle value in 4 is relatively larger as compared to 1 and 2. This seems to indicate that the molecular core [Cu₂(μ-η¹-X)₂] in 4 is a sterically demanding system that forces the B-dppf ligand to adopt a relatively strained conformation in comparison to less strained system in 1 and 2. All the complexes exhibit moderately strong luminescence properties in the solution state at ambient temperature.     

Synthesis, characterization and copper chemistry of a non-symmetric phenanthroline ligand: 2-Methyl-9-(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolylmethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline

The synthesis of an unsymmetrical phenanthroline-based ligand, 2-methyl-9-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L), and its cupric [Cu(II)] (1) and cuprous [Cu(I)] (2) complexes, are reported. The X-ray structures of each of these Cu complexes show distinct changes in coordination environments consistent with the geometrical preferences of the two oxidation states. In the solid-state, the Cu(II) complex (1) adopts a geometry best described as trigonal bipyramidal, while the Cu(I) complex (2) consists of a single dicationic dimer in which the ligand bridges between two copper ions, separated by 4.26 Å. The two Cu(I) coordination sites differ in 2 with one copper center complexed in a trigonal planar geometry and the other copper in a distorted tetrahedral environment; the latter coordination results from an additional CH₃CN ligand. Complex 1 exhibits a reversible redox process at −0.34 V versus Fc/Fc⁺ in CH₃CN, attributable to the Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ couple, while the dimeric Cu(I) complex (2) does not display this redox couple on the CV timescale. Over minutes however, complex 1 does oxidize in the presence of dioxygen to 2 in CH₃CN.     

Cyclo-ruthenated and -platinated complexes bearing phosphonate substituents

Two new, potentially cyclometalating terdentate ligands bearing phosphonate substituents, Et₂O₃P-N^C(H)^N (5) and Et₂O₃P-C(H)^N^N (7), have been prepared. The corresponding ruthenium complexes, [1]⁺ and [2]⁺, respectively, were obtained by reaction with [RuCl₃(tpy)]. Complexes [1]⁺ and [2]⁺ display electronic properties characteristic for cyclometalated ruthenium complexes. The platinum complex [3], of N^C(H)^N ligand 5, was also prepared and is highly phosphorescent in solution. In general, the phosphonate group electronically behaves equivalent to a carboxylate moiety.     

Effect of metal coordination and intra-molecular H-bond on the acidity of phenolic proton in a set of structurally characterized octahedral Ni(II) complexes of l-histidine derivative

Four different mononuclear octahedral Ni(II) complexes with protonated and deprotonated form of the same ligand have been synthesized by controlling reaction conditions and structurally characterized. The complexes are [Ni(HL^l-his)(benzoate)(MeOH)] (1), [Ni(HL^l-his)(SCN)(MeOH)] (2), [Ni(HL^l-his)₂] (3) and [Ni(L^l-his)(imidazole)₂] (4) where H₂L^l-his is (S)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylamino)-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-propionic acid. The ligand behaves as a monobasic tetradentate ligand in 1 and 2, monobasic tridentate ligand in 3 and dibasic tetradentate ligand in 4. Ni(II) coordinated phenolic proton of the ligand in the complexes 1-2 shows strong intra-molecular H-bonding with benzoate in 1 and lattice water in 2, whereas 3 shows intermolecular H-bonding between uncoordinated phenols with neighbouring carboxylate. The pH titration of the complexes revealed that metal coordination and H-bond in complexes 1 and 2 considerably lowers the acidity of ligand phenol (pK_a 6.8 and 7.0 respectively) compared to phenol (pK_a 10). The complex 4 does not show any proton loss due to the absence of phenolic proton. All the complexes show extensive H-bonded network in the crystals including narrow (7.8 × 5.2 Å) water filled one dimensional channel in 2.     

Dihydroxyacetone phosphate, DHAP, in the crystalline state: monomeric and dimeric forms

It was shown that dihydroxyacetone phosphate may exist in both monomeric DHAP (C₃H₇O₆P) and dimeric DHAP-dimer (C₆H₁₄O₁₂P₂) form. Monomeric DHAP was obtained in the form of four crystalline salts: CaCl(DHAP)·2.9H₂O (7a), Ca₂Cl₃(DHAP)·5H₂O (7b), CaCl(DHAP)·2H₂O (7c), and CaBr(DHAP)·5H₂O (7d) by crystallization from aqueous solutions containing DHAP acid and CaCl₂ or CaBr₂, or by direct crystallization from a solution containing DHAP precursor and CaCl₂. At least one of the salts is stable and may be stored in the crystalline state at room temperature for several months. The dimeric form was obtained by slow saturation of free DHAP syrup with ammonia at −18 °C and isolated in the form of its hydrated diammonium salt (NH₄)₂(DHAP-dimer)·4H₂O (8). The synthesis of the compounds, their crystallization, and crystal structures determined by X-ray crystallography are described. In all 7a-d monomeric DHAP exists in the monoanionic form in an extended (in-plane) cisoid conformation, with both hydroxyl and ester oxygen atoms being synperiplanar to the carbonyl O atom. The crucial structural feature is the coordination manner, in which the terminal phosphate oxygen atoms act as chelating as well as bridging atoms for the calcium cations. Additionally, the DHAP monoanions chelate another Ca²⁺ by the α-hydroxycarbonyl moiety, in a manner observed previously in dihydroxyacetone (DHA) calcium chloride complexes. In dimeric 8 the anion is a trans isomer with the dioxane ring in a chair conformation with the hydroxyl groups in axial positions and the phosphomethyl group in an equatorial position.     

Structural studies of lanthanide complexes with tetradentate nitrogen ligands

Complexes have been synthesised with bis(2-pyridine carboxaldehyde) ethylenediimine (1) and bis(2-pyridine carboxaldehyde)propylene-1,3-diimine (2) with all of the available lanthanide trinitrates. Crystal structures were obtained for all but one complex with 1 and for all but one complex with 2. Four distinct structural types were established for 1 but only two for 2, although in all cases the structures contained one ligand bound to the metal in a tetradentate fashion. With 1, the four different structures of the lanthanide(III) nitrate complexes included 11-coordinate [Ln(1)(NO₃)₃(H₂O)] for Ln = La; 10 coordinate [Ln(1)(NO₃)₃(H₂O)] with one monodentate and two bidentate nitrates for Ln = Ce, then 10-coordinate [Ln(1)(NO₃)₃] for Ln = Pr-Yb with three bidentate nitrates; and 9-coordinate [Ln(1)(NO₃)₃] with one monodentate and two bidentate nitrates for Ln = Lu. On the other hand for 2 only two distinct types of structure are obtained, the first type with Ln = La-Pr and the second type for Ln = Sm-Lu, although all are 10-coordinate with stoichiometry [Ln(2)(NO₃)₃]. The difference between the two types is in the disposition of the ligand relative to the nitrates. With the larger lanthanides La-Pr the ligand is found on one side of the coordination sphere with the three nitrate anions on the other. In these structures, the ligand is folded such that the angle between the two pyridine rings approaches 90°, while with the smaller lanthanides Sm-Lu, two nitrates are found on one side of the ligand and one nitrate on the other and the ligand is in an extended conformation such that the two pyridine rings are close to being coplanar. In both series of structures, the Ln-N and Ln-O bond lengths were consistent with the lanthanide contraction though there are significant variations between ostensibly equivalent bonds which are indicative of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and steric crowding in the complexes.     

Effect of flexibility of organic dicarboxylates anions on the four 3D metal-organic frameworks constructed from flexible benzimidazolyl-based ligand

Four new polymeric frameworks, [Co(bbbi)(L1)] (1), [Cu(bbbi)(L1)] (2), [Co(bbbi)(L2)] (3) and [Ni(bbbi)(L2)] (4), (bbbi = 1,1-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole, H₂L1 = 5-nitroisophthalic acid and H₂L2 = itaconic acid) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous, and they can be described as CsCl-type net utilizing bimetal cores as eight-connected nodes, the bridging bbbi ligands and L1 serve as spacers to yield a unique eight-connected net with 4²⁴6⁴ topology. Complexes 3 and 4 are isomorphous. It is interesting that 3D frameworks containing meso-helical chains (left- and right helical chains) have been observed in 3 and 4, in which meso-helical chains are alternately linked by bbbi ligands coordinating to Co1(Ni1) cations with the zigzag shaped conformation to generate a 3D binodal (4,4)-connected net with {5³·6·8²}{5²·6⁴} topology structure. The bbbi ligands adopt three conformations, namely, the completely “M” shaped conformation in 1 and 2, the zigzag shaped conformation and “Ω” shaped conformation in 3 and 4. The influence of carboxylate anions with different flexibility on the construction of different network topology in the self-assembly process has been discussed. Moreover, the thermal stabilities and the voltammetric behavior of complexes 1-4 have been reported.     

Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of nicotinato-copper(II) complexes with polybenzimidazole and polyamine ligands

Four novel nicotinato-copper(II) complexes containing polybenzimidazole and polyamine ligands were synthesized with formula [Cu₂(bbma)₂(nic)₂](ClO₄)₂·CH₃OH·0.5H₂O (1), [Cu₂(dien)₂(nic)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH (2), [Cu(ntb)(nic)]ClO₄·H₂O (3) and [Cu(tren)(nic)]BPh₄·CH₃OH·H₂O (4), in which bbma is bis(benzimidazol-2-yl-methyl)amine, dien is diethylenetriamine, ntb is tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine, tren is tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and nic is nicotinate anion. All of the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 1 and 2 contain centrosymmetric dinuclear entity with the two Cu(II) atoms bridged by two nicotinate anions in an anti-parallel mode. The Cu···Cu separation is 7.109 Å for 1 and 6.979 Å for 2. Complexes 3 and 4 are mononuclear with nicotinate coordinated to Cu(II) ion by the carboxylate O atom in 3 and the pyridine N atom in 4. All of the complexes exhibit abundant hydrogen bonds to form 1D chain for 1, 3, 4 and 2D network for 2. Magnetic susceptibility measurements over the 2-300 K range reveal very weak ferromagnetic interaction between the two Cu(II) ions in 1 and antiferromagnetic interaction in 2 mediated by nicotinate ligand, with J value to be 0.15 and −0.19 cm⁻¹, respectively.